If you are planning on going to a public or private health clinic, there are some important questions you should review beforehand. Whether you need to see a doctor for rehab or a dentist for a check-up, this key information should prepare you for your next visit.

Do you have health insurance?
Most clinics require some form of health insurance. If you do not have insurance, you should look for free public health centers to get the care you need. Planned parenthood is an example of a clinic offering inexpensive and often free public services to women, such as STD testing, fertility testing, birth control, and abortion services.

What can you expect from a general out-patient clinic?
A general out-patient clinic offers a wide range of physical and mental health services, without requiring an overnight stay. However, if you are having a serious emergency, you will likely be taken to the ER to see a doctor.

When should you see a specialist clinic?
If you or someone in your family has an acute mental or physical issue to deal with, this is likely the type of office you should search for. These practices are able to give an advanced diagnoses of a highly specific ailment. Many are also prepared to offer treatment services once an ailment is diagnosed.

Does the government run health clinics?
Health clinics are either privately owned or publicly managed and funded. If you want to find out how a health care group or club is operated, just call the medical office and ask.

Bill Moore Community Health Clinic is a full scope medical clinic. It has opened its doors to provide medical services to those individual who have no medical insurance. Our costs are based on a sliding scale and/or free for those who qualify.

"I called, and a rude woman answered the phone and said they were not taking new patients, and that I need to find a new doctor. I called to get another doctor, and even though she said she was helping, I did not get anywhere. It was a complete waste of time. ..."

You want a clinic that has experience treating men, women and children, no matter what the health problem is. When wondering how to choose the right hospital clinic for you, check out each clinic's background, whether you need a treatment clinic or abortion clinic. Find out if the doctors are properly licensed and have reputable backgrounds. You can go online to research clinics' backgrounds thoroughly. It may be a wise choice to find a health center or treatment center near you, rather than far away so you can get to it quickly and easily in the event of an emergency. Once you have decided what kind of medical clinic you want, whether private clinic or community-owned, be sure to visit with a few clinics before committing. Assess the appearance of the medical clinic and consulting room, making sure the building is well maintained and clean. Meet with several staff members and make note if they are timely and well groomed. Make sure the facility and consulting room is clean as well, and staff members are courteous. Ask about costs of various services, whether you need general healthcare, fertility clinic care, rehab care, hospital stay, health center care, doctor's office referrals, or obstetrical care. You want to choose clinic doctors or surgeons you feel comfortable with, but you also want to feel comfortable and natural with other staff members such as nurses too. Inquire about costs and services at each private clinic or public medical clinic you visit, whether weight loss clinic, pain clinic, dental clinic, veterinary clinic or medical clinic. It's important to make sure the clinic takes your insurance. Get doctor's office referrals if possible. Before choosing a clinic, keep in mind the treatment center's hours, free clinic services, location, availability, specialty, background and level of professionalism.